Putin Claims US Greenland Interest Roots in History, Vows Arctic Safeguards

MURMANSK, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Thursday that the United States is serious about its interests in Greenland, calling the recent push by President Donald Trump regarding the autonomous territory a historically rooted endeavor. Speaking at the plenary session of the International Arctic Forum, Putin emphasized that the U.S. has shown interest in Greenland since the 19th century and suggested the current discussion is not merely extravagant talk.

“It can look surprising only at first glance and it would be wrong to believe that this is some sort of extravagant talk by the current U.S. administration,” Putin said, noting that the U.S. attempted to purchase the island from Denmark shortly after World War II. He asserted that the United States will persistently continue to promote its geostrategic, militaristic, and economic interests in the Arctic.

Putin’s remarks come as U.S. officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, are visiting Scandinavian regions, creating tensions given Greenland’s strategic location and natural resources. The opening of an American military base on the island has highlighted its significance for both the U.S. and rival nations, including Russia and China, amidst an ongoing global struggle for Arctic dominance.

According to Putin, Russia is deeply concerned about NATO’s presence in the Arctic, particularly following Finland and Sweden’s recent accession to the alliance. “We are certainly concerned about NATO members describing the Far North as a region of possible conflicts,” he said. “Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic, but we will closely follow developments and respond accordingly by enhancing our military capabilities and modernizing our infrastructure in the region.”

The Arctic’s significance intensifies as climate change diminishes sea ice, opening pathways for resource extraction and shipping. Estimates suggest the Arctic may hold a quarter of the Earth’s undiscovered oil and gas. “We won’t allow any infringement on our country’s sovereignty and will reliably safeguard our national interests while supporting peace and stability in the polar region,” Putin added.

While stressing the importance of military readiness, Putin also expressed openness to international cooperation within the Arctic. He mentioned, “The stronger our positions become, the more significant the outcomes will be and the broader opportunities we will have to launch international projects in the Arctic involving the countries friendly to us and possibly Western countries if they show interest in joint work. I am confident such opportunities will arise in due time.”

Putin’s comments reinforce Russia’s stance in the geopolitical arena as it asserts its influence over the Arctic region, which holds strategic value for the U.S., Canada, Denmark, and Norway. The backdrop of this discussion is a broader narrative of competition for resources and influence among global powers, making the Arctic a focal point of international relations.

As tensions escalate, the world watches the evolving dynamic between the U.S. and Russia in the Arctic as both nations navigate their ambitions while seeking to maintain stability in an area increasingly characterized by rivalry.